Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with Town striker Connor Wickham. The frontman, who scored in the FA Youth Cup victory over Tranmere last night, is said to be interesting a host of Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

FA rules mean that England U17 international Wickham is unable to sign a professional contract with the Blues until his 17th birthday on March 31st.

Last week boss Roy Keane said he had met with the player’s father and had got the impression that Wickham is happy at Portman Road. Previously the Blues boss stated that Town is the ideal club for the frontman’s development: “I think this is the best place for him to get his education. The success of the academy over the years would be our argument, whether it’s with Connor, his agent his dad or whoever.

“When you’re a Championship club at least the boy will get an opportunity to play first team games. Sometimes they go to these bigger clubs and it doesn’t quite happen because they get lost because there’s that many good players there.

“Connor’s already played some first team games, he trains with us on a regular basis and he goes away and plays with the youth team every now and again. It’s a good club for him and he’ll get a chance to progress.”

Meanwhile, Scottish reports are again linking Hearts defender Jose Goncalves with the Blues. The former Portuguese U21 international was previously mentioned in connection with Town last month along with team-mate Lee Wallace. Celtic are also said to be interested.

Elsewhere, Hull City have been linked with a January move for ex-Blue Darren Ambrose, who has scored six goals in his last six games for Crystal Palace and 12 overall this season.

Photo: Action Images

corshamblue added 11:42 - Dec 4 Cods Wallop - Wickham will sign for us and then we'll sell him some time down the line. That's the best case scenario! Well Done to the lad for causing the interest in the first place, keep up the good work and something good may happen for all concerned, either way! Always looks pleased to pull the Town shirt on, but I'm sure a Prem team will want to take a gamble.

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arc added 14:44 - Dec 5 Success of the academy... Bowditch, Clarke, Rhodes, Haynes... There's always another superstar just about to appear. Is anyone left of the Youth Cup winning side? (Garvan, maybe, was he on that team? Upson is still here, but probably not for long.)
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